Polymorphisms Of The Interleukin-1 Gene Complex May Influence Alcohol Dependence, University of Oviedo Study

ScienceDaily (Oct. 13, 2009) — Cytokines are small proteins secreted by cells that serve as molecular messengers between cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokines – which function in the immune system – may be involved in alcohol dependence (AD). A study of three polymorphisms of the interleukin-1 gene complex (IL-1) and one of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa) has found that IL-1 may directly contribute to AD among Spanish Caucasian males.